The Poker Quiz
You are seated at a loose $1/2 No Limit cash game. A player
in middle position raises to $9, the cut off seat calls, and
you decide to flat call on the button with A
5
. The small blind folds, the big blind calls, and four players
see a flop of K
4
3.
The big blind checks, the initial raiser leads out for $20
and the player in the cut off seat calls. With your nut flush
draw you decide semi-bluff and re-raise to $65. Action folds
back to the early position player who makes the call. The
turn is a Q,
completing your flush. Your opponent checks.
The Solution
Bet.
Despite the fact that many players will be tempted to slow
play the nut flush, in a loose low limit cash game you should
bet in this spot. Once you bet on the come and hit your draw,
your opponent will have a hard time putting you on the flush.
After your opponent called your re-raise on the flop you have
to assume they are playing what they consider a decent hand.
When your opponent checks the turn you should respond with
a sweetener bet, leading out for just under half the pot.
An unskilled opponent could be very likely to call with a
strong King, and you may even get lucky enough to be betting
into a hand like King-Queen or a smaller flush. You will get
paid off more often then not, so making a good bet is the
correct decision.
